What is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt?
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt) is a device that is specially designed to relieve pressure on the brain in cases where there is too much fluid. A shunt is most commonly used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid collects in the brain, causing pressure and potentially leading to brain damage.
What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is caused by a build-up of fluid as a result of blockages. Some common symptoms include headaches, seizures, memory loss, poor coordination and problems with vision. It can be diagnosed with the use of MRI scans, which will allow your doctor to see which areas of the brain contain excess fluid.
How does the procedure work?
The VP shunt is inserted under general anaesthesia, and the procedure typically takes around ninety minutes. Your surgeon will make an incision behind the ear and drill a small hole into the skull through which a tube is inserted. This allows excess fluid to drain from the brain into other parts of the body, where it can be reabsorbed. The procedure is very safe and effective, but it is necessary to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery so that the medical team can monitor your recovery.
FAQ:
While you're sleeping, your VP shunt operation will take place in the operating room. It will take roughly an hour to perform the surgery.
It takes three to four days to recover from a VP shunt placement.
A VP shunt has a two-year average lifetime.
I am a qualified neurosurgeon following my pre- and postgraduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch and currently have private practices at Netcare N1 City, which caters for the northern suburbs of Cape Town and Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, which caters for the west coast of Cape Town and Western Cape.
Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital
Tel: +27 (0)21 554 0779 / Fax: +27 (0)21 554 2144
Email: bbhinfo@capeneurospine.co.za
Netcare N1 City Hospital
Tel: 021 595 4633 / Fax: 021-595 3446
Email: info@capeneurospine.co.za